The Big 3 Derby matches just got bigger ...

This festive season the Hollywoodbets Sharks have a trio of Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby matches lined-up at Hollywoodbets Kings Park against the DHL Stormers, Vodacom Bulls and 10bet Lions.

After selling-out early bird tickets within 24 hours of sales opening, the Sharks have opened the upper tier stands for Sharksfest at Hollywoodbets Kings Park after phenomenal demand and are tracking to do so for the match against the DHL Stormers as well.

With fans snapping up seats at a remarkable pace, the move makes room for thousands more supporters to be part of what is shaping up to be the biggest festive season Durban has seen at The Tank. Each derby pairs top-flight rugby with live post-match concerts from some of South Africa’s biggest music names, turning every matchday into a full festival experience.

Festive season rugby is still a young tradition in South Africa, but Sharks supporters have embraced it wholeheartedly. Families, friends and visitors to Durban are building their holiday plans around derby days and the appetite for these fixtures has exceeded expectations.

“The response to The Big 3 has been absolutely fantastic,” said the Sharks CEO, Shaun Bryans. “Festive season rugby is a relatively new phenomenon in South Africa, yet our fans have taken it to heart in a way that is wonderful to see. Opening the upper tier seating is a direct result of that passion. We want every supporter who walks through the gates at Hollywoodbets Kings Park to feel the energy, enjoy world-class rugby and incredible live music and leave with memories that last well beyond the holidays. This is what makes our stadium special and the Sharks brand so iconic.”

Zakes Bantwini and Dlala Thukzin kick off the festive season in style against the Stormers (5 December). SharksFest then brings the rugby, the energy and the hits as Cassper Nyovest and Distruction Boyz take over for the Bulls clash (19 December). Zee Nxumalo and Liquideep close out the series and set the tone for the New Year with a massive derby against the Lions (2 January) and a soundtrack to remember.

The Big 3 reflects the Sharks commitment to elevating the fan experience at Hollywoodbets Kings Park. From your entry into the stadium to the final encore, every derby is designed as a complete outing for families, friends and first-time visitors alike: world-class rugby, headline entertainment and the unmistakable atmosphere of a packed Tank.

With the upper tier now open for Sharksfest, more fans can be part of it. But demand remains strong and supporters are urged to secure their seats early to avoid disappointment.

Tickets are on sale now at www.sharksrugby.co.za and fans are reminded that only tickets purchased via this portal will be valid for the match. Tickets purchased via Viagogo or any other unauthorised sites are invalid.